How To Avoid Doom Flags? : A Guide By Lee Felix

Fourth Flag - Don't Attract Unwanted Attention

"Just try not to attract too much attention – only talk if someone directly addresses you, okay?" urged Hyunjin as they reached the banquet hall's doors.

Worry began gnawing at Felix's guts once more.

"Maybe- maybe it isn't such a good idea, after all," he whispered, gulping.

Hyunjin's expression softened slightly. "Like my brother and I told you, you are perfectly safe here. But you are the first commoner to ever make it inside the court of the Golden Palace, which is bound to draw attention. Many of the officials are old, entitled men stuck in withering ideals and traditions, so they may take offense to your presence here."

"But then—"

"If they do say or try anything uncouth, then rest assured that we will put them in their place," promised the Prince. "I simply wish to avoid you unnecessary grief, if possible. A beta commoner is already an unusual sight within these walls, but one unfamiliar with social protocols is even more at a risk of earning the ire of the elders. So, just for tonight, try your best not to attract attention, alright?"

Felix mutely nodded, once again noting the strange wording, but a tad too anxious to really pay it any mind. Hyunjin offered him a reassuring smile, then took the lead and gestured for the nearby guards to open the doors, which they promptly did.

Felix's body moved on its own as he began following Hyunjin inside, keeping his gaze locked on the back of the Prince as they walked in – he knew he'd start gawking at the prestige of the room if he glanced around, and he figured it would only make him look even more like a commoner, as Hyunjin put it. As they made their way to the very back of the room, though, he could feel the dozens of stares digging into him, and he tried his best to ignore them.

This isn't just a few officials, thought Felix, internally panicking. This is the entire court!!!

"King Brother, Queen Lee," greeted Hyunjin, bowing deeply.

Felix promptly mimicked him, internally relieved they'd gone over the etiquette rules earlier in the day – the last thing he wanted was to make a fool of himself in front of everyone.

"Hyunjin," greeted King Bang with a warm smile. "We were waiting for you. Please, take a seat, and let the feast begin!"

Music almost immediately filled the room, servants suddenly walking in from all sides carrying large trays of food and drinks alike. A tad taken aback, Felix stumbled after Hyunjin, awkwardly taking his seat behind the low table just behind the Prince's, almost right next to the platform where the royals' own seats were set up. Felix thanked the servants who brought him food, quietly refusing when they offered him what appeared to be alcohol, then immediately fell silent, keeping his gaze either locked on his tray or on Hyunjin's back. The last thing he wanted was to make eye contact with someone and attract attention—

"Now, as you all know, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate my brother's safe return!" suddenly proclaimed the King, rising to his feet with a golden cup in his hands. "Such a miracle wouldn't have been possible if not for the aid of a courageous young man, whom I intend to reward accordingly tonight!"

Wait, what!?

"Lee Felix, come forward."

Well, so much for avoiding attention.

With a small gulp, Felix then tried to put on his best poker face as he rose from his seat and carefully made his way in front of the few stairs that led up to the platform where the royals were seated. He bowed, glancing to Hyunjin when he did so, and the Prince subtly gestured for him to get down on his knees.